What a run Wrexham women had to finish as runners-up in Hong Kong
Wrexham became the first ever women's side to compete in the tournament from outside of Asia.
The Reds began the event with their match-up versus Thailand's Chonburi FC and Grace Morris' strike confirmed a 1-0 win.
Next up was a meeting with Eastern Thunder, from Singapore, and a brilliant Ava Suckley effort from long-range made sure of another 1-0 outcome as Wrexham concluded the opening day with a 100 per cent record.
Day two opened with a clash against Hong Kong FC and the Reds maintained their unbeaten record via a 0-0 draw.
Suckley grabbed a key leveller as Wrexham secured another point from a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong's TSL in their next match-up.
In the final group match, Wrexham played out a 0-0 draw against Kitchee Sports Club.
The top-two sides would go through to the women's cup final and one of these would be Wrexham, who finished second in the group phase.
Kitchee Sports Club would be their opponents in the showpiece and a slender 1-0 defeat meant Wrexham finished a great event as runners-up.
Manager Gareth Owen told the club's X site: "I always expect the girls to wear this badge with pride and passion, and they have."
Wrexham's squad consisted of 10 players, with a number of the Adran U19s North title winners included. These were Chloe Ankers, Morris and Leah Burke, who have all made first team appearances.
They were joined by first team players Lili Jones, Suckley and Erin Lovett, who added invaluable experience.
Captain Jones told the tournament's website: 'It's massive for our profile to be here.
'For our women's team to be the first from the club to come to Asia is huge in Wrexham's history and it's an honour to be part of it. Everyone has been so friendly and it's a great set-up.'
Wrexham squad: Chloe Ankers; Annie Collins; Grace Morris; Seren Cashen; Leah Burke; Bella Devereux; Lili Jones; Erin Lovett; Ava Suckley; Mia Roberts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Live
11 minutes ago
- North Wales Live
Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's Wrexham stadium expansion sparks row with locals over parking
Residents living near Wrexham 's football stadium have called on the club's Hollywood owners to address parking issues that have arisen following a surge in popularity. The Red Dragons have seen a significant increase in support since being acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in February 2021. The Racecourse Ground has witnessed a tripling in attendances, with the club swiftly rising from the National League to the Championship. However, while the city has largely celebrated Wrexham's success, locals living near the stadium report that it has led to considerable problems with fans parking thoughtlessly outside their homes on match days. Incidents include vehicles obstructing driveways and pavements, leading to disputes between residents and supporters. People living on the Maesgwyn estate, located opposite the ground on Mold Road, now fear the situation could worsen. It follows the club's recent planning application for an additional 2,250 seats as part of its new Kop Stand proposals. Wrexham already have approval for a capacity of 5,500 as part of the development, with the latest application increasing that to 7,750. This would result in the stadium's total capacity rising to approximately 18,000 once construction is completed. While neighbours have stressed their support for the expansion, they are asking for a legal requirement to be included that mandates the club to finance a residents' parking scheme to alleviate the issues. A circular letter sent to planning officials on their behalf states: "I am writing in my capacity as a concerned Maesgwyn resident in relation to a planning application which seeks consent for the proposed expansion of the Kop stand at the Racecourse Stadium. "Whilst supportive of the club's ambitions and welcoming the positive impact increased stadium attendance will have on the city, economy and profile, I remain deeply concerned about the worsening impact of matchday parking on our community. "The significant rise in home attendance - from an average of 4,058 in 2019/20 to over 13,000 last season, with projections of up to 17,750 next season, has led to serious and repeated issues including: "Inconsiderate parking near residents' driveway entrances, double parking and the obstruction of pavements, which in turn takes up valuable police resources to deal with, safety risks for mobility scooter users and parents with prams having to walk in the road and verbal altercations between residents and fans." They added: "A residents survey carried out in 2024 confirmed 40 per cent of respondents had experienced confrontations with fans over inconsiderate parking. These issues are not only upsetting but pose real risks to safety and accessibility." The issues surrounding the Racecourse, which holds the distinction of being the world's oldest international football stadium still in operation, are believed to have been brought directly to the attention of Wrexham chief executive Michael Williamson. A residents' gathering also took place last week to voice neighbours' grievances. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year. Meanwhile, both North Wales Police and Wrexham Council participated in a clampdown on thoughtless parking near the ground on Saturday. Several penalty notices were handed out for vehicles left on nearby grass verges during the Red Dragons' inaugural Championship home fixture of the campaign against West Bromwich Albion. In a Facebook post, local officers stated supporters were being "asked to adhere to all road markings and cones, and park responsibly and with respect to the club's neighbours." The local authority will reach a decision regarding proposals for an extra 2,250 seats as part of the new stand at a future date.
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney can leave ‘legacy' in Wales' World Cup plan
The UK is the sole bidder to host an expanded 48-team tournament in 2035 – and the Football Association of Wales has targeted two venues among the 16 stadiums planned. The FAW wants one in the south of the country – probably Cardiff City Stadium rather than Welsh rugby's Principality Stadium home – and one in the north, Wrexham's redeveloped SToK Cae Ras home. Wrexham's Hollywood owners Reynolds and McElhenney are seeking to expand the Red Dragons' stadium, with a proposed 7,750-seater Kop stand taking capacity to around 18,000. The pair – who were at the Cae Ras on Saturday to watch newly-promoted Wrexham play their first home game in the Championship – said in May 2024 that development on all four sides of the ground could lead to 'between 45,000 and 55,000 people in there'. 'The Kop development is a significant first step and the vision for the stadium is incredible,' FAW chief executive Mooney told the PA news agency. 'What Ryan and Rob are doing is amazing. They are looking to look to invest in the stadium and build up the Cae Ras, which is the oldest international ground in the world, and there is a potential North Star for them. 'The city and the club have a chance to bring a World Cup to North Wales. What a story that would be. What a legacy for Ryan and Rob to leave Wrexham.' The FAW and Wrexham held talks over the Women's World Cup last week and Wales will host the 2026 European Under-19 Championship next summer. All games will be played in the north at Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Deeside, Denbigh, Deeside and Wrexham, with the Cae Ras hosting the final. 'It's our 150th anniversary next year, we were founded in Wrexham, and the story is very powerful for us,' added Mooney, who said the FAW will launch a 10-year strategy for Welsh football in 2026. 'The impact of Ryan and Rob has been manna from heaven for us, the timing of it. 'We've been very fortunate over the last few years to get to a men's World Cup, first women's Euro, and have our young teams starting to qualify for major championships. 'That has coincided with Ryan and Rob coming in. Wrexham has already started collecting a lot of our national team players, and will produce lots of players for us in the future with their investment in youth development and Academy. 'There is a symbiotic relationship there where we can create a lot of value for each other. 'People all over the world are talking about Wrexham and that inspires partners like FIFA, commercial bodies and Governments to get involved.' The UK's formal bid for the 2035 Women's World Cup will be submitted in November and likely to be approved by FIFA next year, with all four home nations automatically qualifying for the tournament.
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney can leave ‘legacy' in Wales' World Cup plan
The UK is the sole bidder to host an expanded 48-team tournament in 2035 – and the Football Association of Wales has targeted two venues among the 16 stadiums planned. The FAW wants one in the south of the country – probably Cardiff City Stadium rather than Welsh rugby's Principality Stadium home – and one in the north, Wrexham's redeveloped SToK Cae Ras home. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney has hailed the impact Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have had on Welsh football (Bradley Collyer/PA) Wrexham's Hollywood owners Reynolds and McElhenney are seeking to expand the Red Dragons' stadium, with a proposed 7,750-seater Kop stand taking capacity to around 18,000. The pair – who were at the Cae Ras on Saturday to watch newly-promoted Wrexham play their first home game in the Championship – said in May 2024 that development on all four sides of the ground could lead to 'between 45,000 and 55,000 people in there'. 'The Kop development is a significant first step and the vision for the stadium is incredible,' FAW chief executive Mooney told the PA news agency. 'What Ryan and Rob are doing is amazing. They are looking to look to invest in the stadium and build up the Cae Ras, which is the oldest international ground in the world, and there is a potential North Star for them. Plans are in place to expand Wrexham's historic Racecourse Ground home (Cody Frogatt/PA) 'The city and the club have a chance to bring a World Cup to North Wales. What a story that would be. What a legacy for Ryan and Rob to leave Wrexham.' The FAW and Wrexham held talks over the Women's World Cup last week and Wales will host the 2026 European Under-19 Championship next summer. All games will be played in the north at Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Deeside, Denbigh, Deeside and Wrexham, with the Cae Ras hosting the final. 'It's our 150th anniversary next year, we were founded in Wrexham, and the story is very powerful for us,' added Mooney, who said the FAW will launch a 10-year strategy for Welsh football in 2026. 'The impact of Ryan and Rob has been manna from heaven for us, the timing of it. Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds (left) and Rob McElhenney (right) pictured with the club's former striker Steven Fletcher after the club's home game on Saturday (Cody Frogatt/PA) 'We've been very fortunate over the last few years to get to a men's World Cup, first women's Euro, and have our young teams starting to qualify for major championships. 'That has coincided with Ryan and Rob coming in. Wrexham has already started collecting a lot of our national team players, and will produce lots of players for us in the future with their investment in youth development and Academy. 'There is a symbiotic relationship there where we can create a lot of value for each other. 'People all over the world are talking about Wrexham and that inspires partners like FIFA, commercial bodies and Governments to get involved.' The UK's formal bid for the 2035 Women's World Cup will be submitted in November and likely to be approved by FIFA next year, with all four home nations automatically qualifying for the tournament.
